Leeds United v Blackburn Rovers: No let up - Whites want to keep this run going, says Monk

Garry Monk promised to keep changes to his line-up in check as he warned Leeds United not to surrender their impetus in tonight’s League Cup clash with Blackburn Rovers.

United’s head coach said there would be no repeat of the 11 alterations made by him for last month’s second-round win over Luton Town with Leeds bidding to reach the competition’s last 16.

Monk fielded an entirely new starting side at Kenilworth Road, four days after winning a Yorkshire derby against Sheffield Wednesday, and his players survived second-half pressure to see off the League Two club with a 1-0 victory.

The draw for round three handed United an all-Championship tie at Elland Road and a meeting with a Blackburn team who were beaten by Monk’s side at the same ground in a Championship fixture just eight days ago.

That win was the first of two back-to-back league wins for Leeds, the second away at Cardiff City on Saturday. The change in form came at a time of mounting pressure on Monk.

United’s boss, whose players host Ipswich Town this weekend, said: “We have to fight to keep the momentum going.

“That takes a lot of focus and a really good attitude.

“That was my message after the game on Saturday. It’ll be the same message tomorrow.

“It’s the next game for us so you want to win it. Keeping momentum means whatever comes in your path, you have to try and keep it going. It’s a cup game but it’s just as important.

“Momentum is something you have to grasp and take care of when you have it.

“I’ll pick a team who can win the game but I want to keep this momentum with us and I want to win the game.

“I’ll pick the strongest team possible in terms of freshness and who’s ready but I don’t particularly want to make too many changes.”

United last reached round four of the League Cup in 2012, during their run to the quarter-finals under Neil Warnock.

Monk said: “This is a chance to progress and before you know it, especially in this competition, you can get to the later stages.

“That’s what both teams will be thinking. It’s a good game to try and win.”